Wireless illluminated apparel

ABSTRACT

An illumination device for or in combination with apparel or other worn garments by a rider of a motorcycle or scooter for enhancing recognition of the motorcycle&#39;s presence by proximate vehicles. The device features lighting components engaged upon or part of the clothing of the rider which illuminate the rider and human form in concert with one or more lights on the motorcycle. The resulting non constant illuminations provide a visual enhancement of the rider and motorcycle presence to adjacent drivers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 13/834,149, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, titled“Wireless Illuminated Apparel”, by inventor Adam Timmerberg, thecontents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference asthough set forth in their entirety, and to which priority is claimed.This application is also a continuation of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2014/029003, filed on Mar. 14, 2014, titled“Wireless Illuminated Apparel”, by inventor Adam Timmerberg, thecontents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference asthough set forth in their entirety, and to which priority is claimed.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to illuminated apparel. Moreparticularly the invention relates to an illumination device for apparelor other worn garments to illuminate the user for improving thevisibility of the user by others, especially when on a roadway. Thedevice is configured with means for wireless communication to a remotecommunication source for syncing the illumination device with the remotecommunication source.

BACKGROUND

Safety is a major concern for many motorcycle riders and cycle ridersboth off the highway and especially on the highway and roads. Acontributing factor of unsafe riding conditions lies in the limitedvisibility of the bike or motorcycle rider due to relatively small sizeof the motorcycle and rider, compared to larger passenger vehicles onthe road. Additionally, car and truck drivers are inherently looking forother cars and trucks and not attuned to looking for motorcycle riderswho may be riding in a parallel lane. Because they are not looking for amotorcycle or rider, and because of the relatively small size of a riderand motorcycle compared with a truck or car, drivers in passengervehicles have difficulty spotting riders and their motorcycles whenadjacent motorcyclist or during an approach to a forward positionedmotorcyclist on the highway.

This lack of cognizance of the presence of a motorcyclist, and inherentinattention to their presence approaching a motorcyclist or adjacentthereto, can frequently cause car and truck drivers to incorrectly failto anticipate a lane change by the motorcycle rider or the adjacentmotorcycle rider passing their vehicle. Due to such inattention and abias toward watching for larger vehicles, even when the rider has thesmall signal light on their motorcycle or scooter activated theirpresence and their changing lanes legally is frequently missed.

As such, the scooter or motorcycle rider can be riding with caution andlegally passing and making legal lane changes with proper signaling, butcan still be easily involved in a collision or other accident. For thecar or truck driver striking a motorcycle and rider will have littleeffect and in some cases a glancing tap of the car against themotorcycle will actually be missed by the larger vehicle driver.However, for the unlucky motorcycle rider, who is riding and doingeverything correctly, a tap of a car or truck, or a larger impact, caneasily result in severe injury and even death.

As a result, conventional solutions to the problem generally revolvearound making the motorcycle more visible to other drivers. In somestates adding lighting to the motorcycle, or changing the lightingthereof is illegal and the rider is precluded from trying to increasevisibility. In states where such is legal, proactive riders who valuelife and limb, tend to take action to increase visibility.

For example, the motorcycle may have extra lights engaged to all sidesof the motorcycle fairings which are always illuminated. In addition, isit well known that some motorcycle headlights are always leftilluminated when driving in both night and daylight conditions in orderto make the rider and motorcycle more visible to adjacent drivers.

However, this conventional solution of illuminating the motorcycle maynot be possible for users having smaller or customized motorcycles whichdo not facilitate the addition of a plurality of such lights. Manymotorcycles and motor scooters lack sufficient electrical power and/or asuitable battery with sufficient power for maintaining such auxiliarylighting in an illuminated state.

As such, because some state prohibit lighting changes, and because manymotor scooters and motorcycles will not support additional wattagerequired for extra lighting, in order to employ illumination as a meansfor making the motorcycle and rider more than a shadow in the peripheralvision of car and truck drivers, the illumination of the rider, asopposed to the motorcycle, may provide a better solution to thisproblem. Such rider illumination would be especially advantageous sinceit is well known, that the human brain tends to more easily see andfocus on, and thus naturally recognize, a human form. This cognizance ofhuman form is known to be a reflex action due to the brain being hardwired to recognize and access the potential for an approaching friend orfoe, more readily than the abstract shape of an adjacent or approachingmotorcycle. Thus making the human form of the rider more easily viewedand/or ascertained by adjacent and approaching drivers will enhance thisnatural bias of the human mind to recognize the presence of anotherperson in their proximity.

In addition, illuminated motorcycle rider helmets, such as U.S. Pat. No.7,948,367, are known in the art which aim to try and make the motorcycleand rider more visible by illuminating headgear situated above themotorcycle. However the design of conventional helmets, and even thoseemploying such illumination, tend to have a sleek and streamline shape,which strongly matches that of the motorcycle, rather than the humanform. Further in the dark, the distance between the headgear and themotorcycle remains unlit, and does not provide a human form which ismore easily visible. As can be easily ascertained, such helmets viewedby adjacent and approaching drivers who are biased toward looking forcars and trucks and the lighting thereon, are visually comparable withthe abstract shape of the motorcycle, and thus similarly fail to providethe advantage of highlighting a human form, when illuminated.

As a result, there is a continuing unmet need for an illumination devicefor motorcycle, motor scooter, and even bicycle riders, which willenhance the projection of a human form to proximate car and truckdrivers who are not mentally attuned to be on the lookout for cycleriders. Such a device should engage with apparel or other worn garments,to illuminate the wearing user in a manner that enhances their humanform, whether as a stick-figure or otherwise, for improving theperception of their presence, and thus their visibility, to adjacent andapproaching car and truck drivers.

In at least one preferred mode, the device should be adapted to engagewith a rider to illuminate at least the limbs of the rider of a motorscooter or motorcycle. The device in this mode should advantageouslyprovide a means for wireless communication with the lighting system ofthe motorcycle, thereby allowing the illuminated apparel device toprovide an extension of the turn signaling (i.e. blinker), hazards,and/or braking system of the motorcycle, incorporated into the riderapparel. This electrical communication with the motorcycle lighting willalso automatically deactivate the apparel lighting when the rider turnsoff the motorcycle so the rider need not accidently walk into arestaurant or the like in an illuminated fashion.

Such a device should advantageously provide a means for substantiallyilluminating and projecting for view to adjacent and approaching car andtruck drivers, the human form, such as the legs the feet and/or arms andtorso. Such a device should also be adapted to communicate with otherwireless enabled remote communication sources, such as computers,handheld electronics, music players, and the like, allowing the user tosync the illumination device being worn, with the desired source.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewithare intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not implyany limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Variouslimitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below andthe accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

The device herein disclosed and described provides a solution to theshortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals through theprovision of an illumination device for apparel or other worn garmentsemploying suitable hardware and software adapted to the task ofillumination and wireless communication. In some preferred modes, theillumination device is permanently engaged and is part of the apparel toprovide an original equipment manufacturers (OEM) type product. However,other modes are envisioned wherein the illumination device is adaptedfor a removable engagement to existing apparel to allow users toretrofit, or wear their favorite clothing.

It is briefly noted that term ‘apparel’ used in this disclosure may beemployed to mean various types of apparel suitable for illuminationpurposes, which may include however without implying limitations, shoes,boot, gloves, helmet, hat, shirt, pants, headband, and socks. As such,in some of the preferred modes, the device may specifically call out adesired apparel type to be employed, for example a shoe, however it isto be understood that the features and advantages described can beemployed with other apparel types, for the purpose of illuminating arider and highlighting the human form.

Further, it is additionally noted that upon a reading of thisdisclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize various means forcarrying out the intended features of the invention. As such it is to beunderstood that other devices, methods, and system of components may beconfigured to carry out these features, and are considered to be withinthe scope and intent of the present invention, and are anticipated.

With that being said, in accordance with a first particularly preferredmode of the invention, an illumination device is provided which includesan illuminated shoe device having one or a plurality of illuminationcomponents, such as LED's, HID's, fluorescent, spot lights, strobelights, colored lights, or the like for the purpose of illuminating amotorcycle rider as outlined previously. The device employs means forwireless communication with the electronics of the motorcycle, and moreparticularly the lighting, turn signal, hazard lighting, and/or brakingsystems of the motorcycle, such that one or a plurality of theillumination components of the device can be integrated as part of thelighting system of the motorcycle. It is noted that the terms ‘lightingsystem’, ‘hazard lighting’, ‘braking system’ and ‘turn signal system’used herein may refer to specific electronics of the motorcycle as wellas the electronic circuitry of the motorcycle as a whole which maycontrol the appropriate sub-systems and related components. Optionally,the device may employ a proximity sensor such as a small radar or sonartransceiver, which will sense adjacent vehicles and their movement orvehicles closing on the motorcycle. Engaged with a microprocessor whenthe rider reaches a particular determined distance from another vehicle,the proximity sensor could cause a change in the lighting engaged to therider, such as blinking, or lower and higher illumination patterns tocatch the eye of the other motorist.

With that being said it is the intent of the current mode to provide anextension of the motorcycle and motor scooter lighting system, engagedto the apparel of the rider, which is in communication therewith to beactivated to illuminate or change illumination. This can occur in anengagement on the rider's shoes when signaling a turn, braking,illuminating hazard lights, and/or during emergency lighting such as forlaw enforcement officers. Extensions from the shoes up the legs, or onthe arms and torso can also be employed. In addition, in at least onepreferred mode the device is configured to substantially illuminate thehuman form, including illumination of the user's feet and legs. Thisprovides utility over conventional solutions of rider illumination whichsimply aim to illuminate the motorcycle, and not the rider.

In at least one preferred mode, the means for wireless communicationbetween motorcycle and the device engaged with the rider, includes areceiver/transmitter and antenna configured for RF transmission viaBluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), or other communicationnetwork suitable for the task of wireless communication with themotorcycle electronics. This may require the user to configure themotorcycle's electronics with an interface or switch which energizes atransmitter and RF transceiver antenna, for the purpose of cooperativelyand actively communicating with the device to cause or change theillumination on the rider. For example a remote wireless RF transceiverand antenna component intended for integration into the motorcycleelectronics such as signal lighting and brake lights, is provided to theuser, along with the device in a kit mode or as a sold separatelyproduct. In addition, other modes are envisioned wherein the transceiverfor communication with the shoe device is built-in as part of the OEMmotorcycle's circuitry.

In another mode, the device may employ optical sensors as a means forcommunicating the actions of the motorcycle lighting system to theactivation circuit on the device engaged with the rider. These opticalsensors, such as fiber optic cables leading to the lighting on themotorcycle from a switch or the transceiver, or, a sensing unit on thedevice on the rider, may be employed to sense the illumination of themotorcycles existing turn signals and/or brake lights. This can be doneby sensing the wavelength of the turn signal and/or brake lights, and/orby optically sensing a blinking pattern of the signal lights, and theillumination of the brake for more than a minimum time. Once sensed, aswitch on the device in communication with the lighting device herein onthe rider, will provide activation of the illumination components on theshoe device, and or the legs, torso, and arms, to a synchronized patternof illumination. Thus, in this mode, configuring the motorcyclesexisting circuitry for communication with the device is not required.

In accordance with at least one other particularly preferred mode of theinvention, a removeably engageable illumination device is provided. Thismode of the device may allow the user to engage the illumination deviceto any garment or apparel for purposes of user illumination. The meansfor removable engagement to apparel, can include, however withoutimplying limitations; clips, snaps, magnets, elastic bands, straps, orother suitable removable fastener. In this mode it is intended that theremoveably engageable device, including one or a plurality ofillumination components, such as LED's, as well as the power source andother suitable hardware, are configured into a portable unit.

Further, it is intended that the device can be configured to communicatewith various other remote communication sources, to provide asynchronized illumination. For example the device can be configured tocommunicate with the user computer or smartphone, via Bluetooth or thelike, allowing the user to sync the LED illumination with the beat of asong. As another example, the removeably engageable mode of the devicecan be sold or given away at a concert, and configured for communicationwith a DJ's computer having wireless communication means adapted forwireless communication with the device, to provide an interactivesynchronized illumination of the device with the songs being played.

In another mode of invention a light system including wirelesscommunication means is provided and adapted for engagement to a peddlebicycle. The system is preferably configured to communicate with theilluminated apparel device, thus, upon adapting a peddle bicycle withthe light system, the user can employ the illuminated apparel deviceproviding rider illumination during signaling, hazards, and braking.

In all modes the device can include a replaceable or rechargeable powersource, such as a battery.

Finally, in another preferred mode, a proximity sensor on the motorcycleor scooter may be engaged to the rider or the motorcycle and which isadapted for sensing vehicles which become proximate to the motorcycle ata determined distance proximate to motorcycle. This determined distancemay be immediately adjacent to on a side such as 5-10 feet, or to thefront or rear of the motorcycle as a distance of for example fifteenfeet or less which is a shorter length of a normal four-wheeled vehicleand puts the motorcycle in the position with an adjacent vehicle wherenormally another vehicle would be positioned. This is the zone where acollision can easily take place if the adjacent vehicle does not see themotorcycle and a good place and time to become momentarily more visible.

Once the proximity sensor is tripped by a vehicle in the determineddistance it will communicate with the switch on the lights engaged withthe rider and cause a secondary active on the rider. This proximity zonecan also be a range of between 5 to 60 feet or more, depending on asensed closing rate between the vehicle proximate or becoming proximateto the motorcycle and the motorcycle. The closing rate is determined bythe speed of the vehicle becoming proximate to the motorcycle, andcalculated time of contact, where the lights of the device areilluminated at the distance appropriate in the range, to give theapproaching driver time to see the motorcycle. 16. The illuminationdevice of claim 4 wherein said determined distanced is in a rangebetween 5 and 60 feet of the motorcycle. In such case a vehicle bearingdown upon the motorcycle sensed by the proximity sensor, would beflashed a warning at a distance calculated to give it time to slow down.

Operation of the proximity sensor would employ a sonar or small radardevice with transmitter and receiver, such as those used conventionallyon backup sensors and parking sensors for cars, can provide theproximity sensing. With software running on a small microprocessor,secondary switching to make the device lighting on the rider morevisible can be activated if proximity becomes too close, or when thedevice senses the rider passing or being approached by a vehicle frombehind.

Additionally, with respect to the wirelessly activated clothing, inorder to save power on the motorcycle if a light-emitting rider is notaboard, and to determine exactly what type of illuminated clothing therider is wearing, wireless identifiers can be employed with eachcomponent of clothing with illumination means. This may be done usingRFID components engaged with each piece of clothing having means forillumination. The RFID components will be activated by a RF signal froma transceiver on the motorcycle, once they are proximate to themotorcycle, such as sitting on it. Using RF to page the RFID's toanswer, each would summit an answer in the form of an RF signal whichcarries an identifier for the clothing the RFID is engaged with, and theillumination means thereon. In this fashion a microprocessor runningsoftware adapted to determine clothing types from returned RFID signalscan be employed to determine how many different illuminated clothingcomponents are being worn, and using that information, issue wirelesssignals making the lighting components to work together eitherconcurrently or in sequence.

For instance, if the motorcycle transmitter queries for RFID responseswith a signal, and energizes them to respond, and the component typeidentifiers broadcast by the RFIDs determine both shoes or boots and ajacket are illuminated, the system employing software running on aprocessor may adjust illumination to have the jacket illumination meansblink first and then have the boots blinks slightly later, to giveviewers such as other drivers, a sequential illumination which is morenoticeable.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least onepreferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and to the arrangement of the components inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventionherein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practicedand carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilledin the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying outthe several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstruction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects andembodiments, “comprising” means including, but not limited to, whateverfollows the word “comprising”. Thus, use of the term “comprising”indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but thatother elements are optional and may or may not be present. By“consisting of” is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows thephrase “consisting of”. Thus, the phrase “consisting of” indicates thatthe listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no otherelements may be present. By “consisting essentially of” is meantincluding any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to otherelements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity oraction specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, thephrase “consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elementsare required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and mayor may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect theactivity or action of the listed elements.

The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as wellas the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will becomeapparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by theimprovements described in this specification and hereinafter describedin the following detailed description which fully discloses theinvention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive,examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that theembodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be consideredillustrative rather than limiting. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first particularly preferred mode of theillumination device providing illumination components, wirelessreceiver, and battery permanently engaged to an illuminated shoe devicefor illuminating the feet of a motorcycle rider.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic drawing of the engagement of a wirelesstransceiver in communication with the electronics of a motorcycleproviding the means for wireless communication with device of FIG. 1,and a proximity sensor for sensing vehicles.

FIG. 3 shows a view of yet another particularly preferred mode of theinvention providing a removeably engageable illumination device in theform of an elastic band.

FIG. 4 shows the device of FIG. 3 engaged to a shoe.

FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 3 engaged to a hat.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of yet another particularly preferred mode ofthe invention providing a removeably engageable illumination device inthe form of a clip-on device.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 6 showing additionalillumination components.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 6 adapted for a clip-onengagement to the bill of a hat.

FIG. 9 shows another mode of the invention providing a turn and brakingsignal light system having wireless communication means, which isadapted for an engagement to a peddle bicycle, for communicating withthe illumination device.

FIG. 10 shows another preferred mode of the device configured to moresubstantially illuminate the human form, through the provision of legengageable illumination means.

FIG. 11 depicts the rear face of a jacket such as a motorcycle jackethaving two arrays of LED's which may be illuminated in the system hereinin sequence using an RFID component identifier as with other modes ofthe device.

FIG. 12 shows one of a pair of gloves having LED lighting thereon on oneor both of a top surface and side surface.

FIG. 13 shows a shoe having a plurality of LED's or other means forillumination thereon which may be employed alone or in combination withthe other clothing herein.

Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understoodwhen considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and thefollowing detailed description, neither of which should be consideredlimiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down,downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right andother such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears inthe drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended tobe limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned inany particular orientation.

Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-13, wherein similar components areidentified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 and FIG.2 a first particularly preferred mode of the invention providing anillumination device 10 which may be worn such as when riding on amotorcycle or bicycle to enhance viewing of the ridden vehicle rider todrivers. In FIG. 1 such a means for clothing illumination is shown inthe form of an illuminated shoe 12 having one or a plurality ofillumination components 22, such as LED's for the purpose ofilluminating a vehicle rider such as a motorcycle rider.

The device 10 employs means for wireless communication between thevehicle ridden, and one or a plurality of worn clothing componentshaving means for illumination thereon. In such a system, wirelesscommunication is employed which communicates an activation or adeactivation signal to one or a combination of means for illumination onclothing components, from lights on the ridden vehicle, from a group ofvehicle lights, including the signal lights, brake lights, headlights,daytime lights, hazard lights, or emergency vehicle colored lights, andrelated electronics 24 of the motorcycle.

More particularly, in a preferred mode of the system herein the lightingand turn signal system 26 of the motorcycle or vehicle would be extendedby the means for illumination operatively engaged to one or a pluralityof clothing components each of which would have a component identifierwhich can be transmitted such as by an activated RFID 27. In use, theillumination components 22 operatively engaged with clothing componentswith power and activation means, as depicted as various modes of thedevice 10, are wirelessly integrated to operate as part of the lightingsystem of the ridden vehicle such as a motorcycle. The addition of oneor a plurality of clothing components having illumination components 22,which work in synchronisation with the ridden vehicle as well as eachother, provides for better illumination of the rider. This provides forimproved rider visibility to surrounding drivers and enhanced safety forthe better-seen rider. Where used with emergency vehicles such as policemotorcycles, rather than employing an onboard wireless control foractivation of clothing illumination, activation or deactivation of theblue or other colored lights on the emergency vehicle which may besensed by sensors, may trigger the device 10 to illuminate.

The means for wireless communication between the clothing havingillumination components 22 and the ridden vehicle such as a motorcycleor bicycle, may comprise a transceiver with antenna 18, powered by abattery 16 or other suitable power source. The transceiver may be one ora combination of wireless electronic communication components includingsuch which is configured for RF transmission, including via Bluetooth,wifi, near field communication (NFC) or wireless light-basedcommunication such as infrared, or other wireless communication meansoperatively configured for wireless communication 32. It is thiswireless communication 32 which controls illumination of clothingcomponents having illumination components 22 based on activation of oneor more of the lights of using motorcycle electronics 24.

The wireless transceiver antenna 28 may be provided configured for anoperative engagement 30 to the motorcycle electronics 24 which energizeand de-energize various circuits on the motorcycle to activate anddeactivate onboard lighting. Sensors or direct connections to any or allof the circuits controlling turn signal, brake light, and or hazardlights of the lighting systems 26, may be employed. The sensors whenenergized provide individual signals which may be sent to an onboarddata processing unit or directly to a transceiver, for wirelesslycommunicating 32 activation signals to activate a switching circuit 19operated by a switch or microprocessor, which is operatively engaged toeach of the different lights upon the device 10.

As shown in the figures, each clothing component having illuminationcomponents 22 may also have an RFID 27 which can be employed to identifythe type or item of clothing component to the system.

However, other modes are envisioned wherein the wireless transceiver andantenna 28 energize, to communicated individual activation anddeactivation signals, when a signal is communicated from switches orsensors in electrical communication with the various operating lights ofthe lighting system 26. As each of the respective brake, signal, orrunning lights activates or deactivates, an engaged sensor or switchgenerates a signal which is communicated to the transceiver and antenna28 which then transmits a wireless communication of the individualactivation or deactivation signal of an individual lighting system.

The activation and deactivation signals transmitted for each occurrence,are received by the transceiver and engaged antenna 18 and electricallycommunicated to and interpreted by the switching circuit 19. Theswitching circuit 19 as well as the onboard system of FIG. 2 of theridden vehicle such as a motorcycle, may have a microprocessor 21operatively engaged with software configured to activate all ordifferent lights of the various clothing component devices 10. The RFID27 on each component can be activated by a local signal from thetransceiver to broadcast an identifier of the type of clothing componentdevice 10 to which it is engaged. The microprocessor 21 operating on theridden vehicle such as a motorcycle, employing software to discern thesignal broadcast by the RFIDs 27 from each clothing component, can thenusing software adapted to configure lighting schemes, have the systemactivate one or more clothing components to illuminate, and, can do soin a sequence rather than just concurrently. In that fashion forinstance, the illumination components 22 on the rear of the jacket couldduring a right turn, illuminate from the center of the jacket to thedistal end of the right sleeve, in sequence, and then, illuminationcomponents 22 on the boot or shoe could be activated at the end of thesequence in the jacket.

Since each of the clothing component devices 10 can have its own RFID 27with a unique identifier broadcast, the system using software andonboard electronic memory engaged with the microprocessor 21, can us alookup table to discern the performance characteristics of theillumination components 22 of each type of clothing 15 associated withthe unique identifier broadcast by it's respective RFID 27.

Using the received activation or deactivation signals from the wirelesstransceiver 28, the switching circuit 19 on each clothing componenthaving illumination components 22, activates engaged switches toenergize or deenergize the lights of the clothing component such as theshoe, or jacket mode of the device 10, or other clothing componentdevices 10 having lighting components 22. As noted, the motorcyclemounted control components such as in FIG. 2 herein may be includedoriginal component as part of the OEM motorcycle's circuitry.

In one preferred mode in the current depiction of FIG. 1, a battery 16,an a wireless transceiver 28 engaged to an antenna 18, and the switchingcomponent 19, and illumination components 22 are all operatively engagedto the sole portion 14 of the shoe 12, however it is to be understoodthese components can be engaged to any location on the shoe 12 as deemedsuitable by the designer, and should not be considered limited by thedepiction.

In another mode, without the on board system of FIG. 2, it is envisionedthat the device 10 may also employ one or a plurality of optical sensors20, and operatively engaged with a microprocessor 21 or other currentswitching means, as an optical sensor means for ascertainingillumination of the various motorcycle lights, such as with the brakeand turn signals 26. The optical sensor 20 if employed may be worn onthe rider's back or helmet or boot, other clothing if necessary. Theseoptical sensors 20 may be employed to sense the illumination of themotorcycles existing turn signals 26 or brakes, by sensing the differentcolor wavelengths emitted from the turn signal, hazard lights, and brakelights, and/or by sensing the timing of a blinking pattern of thesignaling lights, and the duration of illumination of the brake light,and thereby providing an activation of the switching 27 to activate theillumination components 22 on the shoe device 10 to a synchronizedpattern of illumination. Thus, in this mode, configuring the motorcyclesexisting circuitry with a wireless transmitter 28 for communication withthe device 10 such as in FIG. 2, is not required.

It is noted and anticipated that although the device 10 is shown in itsmost simple form, various components and aspects of the device 10 may bedifferently shaped or slightly modified when forming the inventionherein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate thedescriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meantto portray illustrative examples of preferred modes within the overallscope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limitingin any manner.

In accordance with another particularly preferred mode of the invention,and shown in FIGS. 3-5, a removeably engageable illumination device 10is provided. In the current mode, the removeably engageable illuminationdevice 10 is provided by a band 36 having the antenna 18, battery 16,and illumination components 22 engaged thereto. This mode of the device10 allows the user to engage the band 36 to any garment or apparel forpurposes of user illumination. FIGS. 3 and 4 show particularly preferredas-used modes of the device 10, showing the band 36 being engaged to auser's existing shoe 100. FIG. 5 shows another as-used mode wherein theband 36 is engaged over a user's hat 102.

The band 36 can be an elastic band, or have elastic portions adapted tobe stretched and secured over the desired apparel in a frictional fit,however, it is noted that other means for removable engagement may beemployed and are anticipated. This can include, however without implyinglimitations; clips, snaps, magnets, straps, hook and loop fastener, orother suitable removable fastener.

FIG. 6-8 show yet another particularly preferred mode of the removablyengageable illuminated clothing device 10 provided by a clip-oncomponent 38 for clothing having a clip 40 configured for compressedbiased engagement to any desired apparel, including the bill 104 of ahat 102 (FIG. 8), a belt, belt loop, shirt collar, or other locationdeemed suitable by the user. This mode provides a compact transportableunit having the antenna 18 and battery 16 preferably enclosed within asealed housing, and having the illumination components 22 exposed foruser illumination as needed. An RFID 27 may be included to broadcast aunique identifier to the system of FIG. 2 if employed to allowindividual, concurrent, or sequential illumination of the illuminationcomponents 22 along with other illumination components 22 on otherclothing being worn and identified by an RFID 27.

Further, as noted, it is intended that the illuminated clothing device10 in all modes or configurations, can be configured to communicate withvarious other electronic components, to provide a synchronizedillumination. For example the illumination device 10 and/or the controlof FIG. 2 for instance, can be configured with software operating on themicroprocessor 21 to wirelessly or through USB connection communicatewith a user's computer or smartphone. Wirelessly this may be done, viaBluetooth or WiFi or infrared or the like, or a direct USB connection,allowing the user to sync the LED illumination with the beat of a song.As another example, the removably engageable mode of the device 10 inclip or band format, can be sold or given away at a concert, andconfigured for wireless communication through operative wirelesscommunication with the performer's computer and wireless communication,allowing the performer to carry out an interactive synchronizedillumination of the device with the songs being played.

FIG. 9 shows another preferred mode of the illuminated clothing device10 invention, providing a turn and braking light system 11 adapted foran engagement to a conventional ridden vehicle such as a peddle bicycle200. The system 11 will operate in concert with one or a plurality ofturn signal lights 42, one or a plurality of brake signal lights 44, anda control module 46 similar to that of FIG. 2. The control module 46preferable includes a power source, such as a battery, and a means forwireless communication with the device 10, such as a transceiver with RFantenna 47. The lights 42, 44 can be in a wired 48 or wirelesscommunication with the control module 46 which will operate in concertwith the shoe, boot, jacket, glove, or other modes of the illuminatedclothing device 10 herein. If required in a retrofit to the bicycle,straps 50 or other means for removable engagement employed on the lights42, 44 and control module 46 as shown, may be employed to allow the userto engage a system 11 to any conventional bicycle 200 and operate it inconcert with the noted clothing components. The straps 50 can employhook and loop fabric, or may be elastic for engaging to the variousparts of the bicycle 200 as needed.

FIG. 10 shows another mode of the illuminated clothing device 10operating in combination with a shoe or boot having illuminationcomponents 22. This mode includes leg-engageable illuminated clothingcomponent 52 including a plurality illumination components 22 engagedthereto. The leg engageable clothing component 52 may include straps orbands 54 allowing the user to engage the leg engageable means 52 totheir leg (not shown) for a secured removable engagement. However othermeans for removable engagement can be employed, for example hook andloop fasteners, clips, and the like.

It is additionally noted and anticipated that in other modes the legengageable clothing component 52 can be permanently integrated intopants, shorts, or other garments. Further the illuminated leg engageableclothing component 52 is best adapted to operate in concert withfootwear having illumination components 22 and onboard power which maybe communicated, such as shoe 12. As with all other illuminated clothingdevices 10, an RFID 27 may be included to broadcast the presence andtype of clothing component to the system to allow concurrent orsequential operation of the illumination components 22 with those ofother clothing components. Operation of the illumination components 22of the leg engageable clothing component would be through a wired orwireless removable engagement such as an electronic fastener, or othersuitable fastener means electrically engage it to the footwear componentsuch as the shoe 12 which would have onboard components such as shown inFIG. 1. Using the leg engageable component 52 with footwear such as theshoe 12 illumination components 22 of both may be activated during usethereby giving lights to surrounding drivers that are both on the shoe12 and go vertically up the leg of the rider which significantlyenhances rider visibility.

In another particularly preferred mode of the device and system herein,a proximity sensor 25 on the motorcycle or scooter or mounted on therider's clothing, and operatively engaged with the microprocessor 21having software adapted to operate the proximity sensor 25, can beemployed. The proximity sensor 25 is similar in function to parkingsensors used on many vehicles and may use sonar or radar to sense thepresence and proximity of adjacent vehicles, and the closing rate ofthose proximate vehicles with the ridden vehicle such as a motorcycle orscooter.

Employing software running on the microprocessor 21 engaged with theswitching component 19 or the system as in FIG. 2, a switching of thevarious lights of the clothing device 10 depending on what and whereworn, can be activated by the sensing of a vehicle in a definedproximity or closing rate to the ridden vehicle occupied by the rider.Such a switching, such as momentarily brighter or flashing of the lightsor LED's or illumination components 22, may be employed to render therider more visible if proximity of another vehicle becomes too close ora closing rate with another vehicle is sensed as too fast, or when theproximity sensor 25 communicates a signal to the microprocessor 21 whichcauses the software thereon to ascertain the rider is passing or beingapproached by a vehicle from behind.

Also employable alone or preferably in combination with the otherilluminating clothing devices 10 herein, FIG. 11 depicts the rear faceof a jacket mode of the clothing device 10 such as a motorcycle jackethaving two arrays of illumination components 22 such as LED's which maybe illuminated in the system herein. As noted earlier, an RFID 21 may beincluded to allow the jacket to operate concurrently or sequentiallywith the illumination components 22 of other illuminated clothingdevices 10.

Shown in FIG. 12 is one of a pair of gloves having illuminationcomponents 22 such as LED lighting thereon on one or both of a topsurface 41 and side surface 45. The glove mode of the illuminatedclothing device 10 will have operative components on board similar orthe same as that for instance shown in FIG. 1. An RFID 27 may beincluded to allow for identification of the glove presence, as well asconcurrent or sequential illumination of the illumination components 22as noted herein.

As depicted in FIG. 13 another mode of a shoe 12 is shown having aplurality of illumination components 22 such as LEDs or other lowvoltage and low current drawing means for illumination thereon. An RFID27 is shown which may be included to identify the presence and type ofthe shoe 12 so the illumination components 22 thereon may be employedalone or in combination with the other illuminated clothing herein.

Thus, the current mode provides utility not yet accomplished in priorart by substantially illuminating the human form through the provisionof illumination of the user's feet and legs, as opposed to the abstractshapes of the motorcycle or a conventional helmet.

This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled inthe art could discover these. The explication of the features of thisinvention does not limit the claims of this application; otherapplications developed by those skilled in the art will be included inthis invention.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of theinvention have been shown and described herein, with reference toparticular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, variouschanges and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure andit will be apparent that in some instances, some features of theinvention may be employed without a corresponding use of other featureswithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. Itshould also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, andvariations may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all suchmodifications and variations and substitutions are included within thescope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illumination apparatus for apparel or otherworn garments by a rider of a motorcycle or scooter, comprising; one ora plurality of illumination components engaged upon clothing of a rider;a power source in electrical communication with said illuminationcomponents through a switch; means for sensing a change in anillumination of one or a combination of lights, from a group of vehiclelights, including turn signal lights, brake lights, headlights, daytimelights, hazard lights, and emergency vehicle colored lights, on saidmotorcycle and electrically communicating a signal representative ofsaid change; means for a wireless communication representative of saidchange in illumination, upon receipt of said signal from said means forsending a change in illumination; a wireless receiver configured toreceive said wireless communication representative of said change inillumination, said receiver in electrical communication with said switchto communicate said wireless communication thereto; said switchactivating to engage or disengage said illumination components with saidpower source depending upon the communicated said change in illuminationcommunicated from said receiver, whereby said illumination componentsare energized for illumination or de-energized by a said change inillumination of said one or both of a turn signal light or brake light.2. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein said means for wirelesscommunication comprises: a radio transmitter and electrically engagedantenna and a switching component engaged with said radio transmitter,said switching component in an operative communication said illuminationcomponents.
 3. The illumination device of claim 1 additionallycomprising: a proximity sensor positioned upon one of said motorcycle orsaid rider; said proximity sensor adapted for sensing vehicles at adetermined distance proximate to said motorcycle; said proximity sensorconfigured for communicating a proximity signal to said one of saidwireless receiver or said switch upon a said vehicle achieving saiddetermined distance; and said proximity signal received by said switchcausing a secondary activation thereof to engage or disengage saidillumination components with said power source.
 4. The illuminationdevice of claim 2 additionally comprising: a proximity sensor positionedupon one of said motorcycle or said rider; said proximity sensor adaptedfor sensing vehicles at a determined distance proximate to saidmotorcycle; said proximity sensor configured for communicating aproximity signal to said one of said wireless receiver or said switchupon a said vehicle achieving said determined distance; and saidproximity signal received by said switch causing a secondary activationthereof to engage or disengage said illumination components with saidpower source.
 5. The illumination device of claim 1 further comprising;said illumination components and said power source engaged to a shoe;and whereby said illumination components are energized for illuminationor de-energized, to thereby render said shoe highly visible to proximatedrivers of other vehicles.
 6. The illumination device of claim 2 furthercomprising; said illumination components and said power source engagedto a shoe; and whereby said illumination components are energized forillumination or de-energized, to thereby render said shoe highly visibleto proximate drivers of other vehicles.
 7. The illumination device ofclaim 2 further comprising; said illumination components and said powersource engaged to a shoe; an whereby said illumination components areenergized for illumination or de-energized, to thereby render said shoehighly visible to proximate drivers of other vehicles
 8. Theillumination device of claim 3 further comprising; said illuminationcomponents and said power source engaged to a shoe; and whereby saidillumination components are energized for illumination or de-energized,to thereby render said shoe highly visible to proximate drivers of othervehicles.
 9. The illumination device of claim 4 further comprising; saidillumination components and said power source engaged to a shoe; andwhereby said illumination components are energized for illumination orde-energized, to thereby render said shoe highly visible to proximatedrivers of other vehicles.
 10. The illumination device of claim 5further comprising; said illumination components also including legengaged said illumination components; whereby said rider has a stickfigure human appearance upon an illumination of said illuminationcomponents rendering said rider more visible to proximate drivers ofother vehicles.
 11. The illumination device of claim 6 furthercomprising; said illumination components also including leg engaged saidillumination components; and whereby said rider has a stick figure humanappearance upon an illumination of said illumination componentsrendering said rider more visible to proximate drivers of othervehicles.
 12. The illumination device of claim 7 further comprising;said illumination components also including leg engaged saidillumination components; and whereby said rider has a stick figure humanappearance upon an illumination of said illumination componentsrendering said rider more visible to proximate drivers of othervehicles.
 13. The illumination device of claim 8 further comprising;said illumination components also including leg engaged saidillumination components; and whereby said rider has a stick figure humanappearance upon an illumination of said illumination componentsrendering said rider more visible to proximate drivers of othervehicles.
 14. The illumination device of claim 9 further comprising;said illumination components also including leg engaged saidillumination components; and whereby said rider has a stick figure humanappearance upon an illumination of said illumination componentsrendering said rider more visible to proximate drivers of othervehicles.
 15. The illumination device of claim 3 wherein said determineddistance is in a range between 5 and 60 feet of the motorcycle.
 16. Theillumination device of claim 4 wherein said determined distance is in arange between 5 and 60 feet of the motorcycle.
 17. The illuminationdevice of claim 15 wherein said proximity sensor calculates a closingrate of an approaching vehicle wherein said determined distanced is in arange between 5 and 60 feet of the motorcycle as a function of saidclosing rate.